Bishop officially opens crematorium

The new Wyre Forest Crematorium and Cemetery has been officially opened by the Bishop of Worcester and Cllr Stephen Clee, chairman of Wyre Forest District Council.

The bishop – the Right Reverend Dr John Inge – performed a service of dedication, assisted by Canon Paul Brothwell; Father Douglas Lamb from St Ambrose Church; Reverend Mary Austin of Trinity Methodist Church and humanist celebrant Thelma Brazier.

After the service, a plaque was unveiled and white doves released. These soared into air and twice circled the crematorium in a ceremony designed to represent the beginning of the grieving process and the ‘letting go’ of the deceased’.

Also attending the service were the Mayor of Stourport, the Deputy Mayor of Bewdley, local councillors, funeral directors and representatives from Dignity, which operates the crematorium.

The site, situated between Kidderminster and Stourport-On-Severn, will be managed by Dignity, in partnership with Wyre Forest District Council. An open day is planned for the summer, giving the public the opportunity to view the grounds and facilities and ask staff any questions that visitors about the cremation process or the services available.

Mr Clee said the crematorium was a “truly inspirational design”, which used locally sourced materials and labour and showed attention to the finest detail. “I am sure the local community will appreciate the graceful atmosphere and the quiet spaces for reflection that are around the site,” he added.

Joy Edgington, manager of the new crematorium and cemetery, said: “Wyre Forest Crematorium will provide the local community with the highest possible standards of service. We are offering shorter journey times and services that last 45 minutes so families do not feel rushed on the day they want to remember their loved ones.”

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